Dojo News: Dennis Hooker Passes Away
Posted 5/21/2014 6:05pm [from Jun Akiyama]
I have just been informed that Dennis Hooker (7th dan, Shindai Aikikai) has passed away.
The following is from Dan Linden: "It is with heavy heart that I need to inform one and all that Dennis Hooker passed away at his Winter Park home. He is survived by his wife Connie, his daughter Michelle and his son Dennis, along with their children.
"Dennis had recently retired after a long career with Metro Plan Orlando. He was a Viet Nam era veteran of the United States Army and was a 7th dan in Aikido (Aikikai). Dennis Hooker founded Shindai Aikikai."
On a personal note, Dennis was also a friend of mine who supported AikiWeb by being part of two AikiWeb Workshops. He also wrote at times on AikiWeb as well (e.g., http://www.aikiweb.com/training/hooker5.html). Lastly, here is an essay written about him for the "It Had To Be Felt" column series: http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22437.
My condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones.